Pt Hridayanath Mangeshkar joins MNS

Mumbai, June 30 (UNI) Veteran musician Hridayanath Mangeshkar, recently joined Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

According to MNS sources, Pt Mangeshkar called on Raj Thackeray at his residence a few days ago and as the talks between the budding political leader and the musician were progressing, Mr Mangeshkar expressed his desire to become a member of his political party.

''Immediately a form was given to him for membership and he filled it,'' the sources said.

Raj Thackeray enjoys excellent relations with the Mangeshkar clan and had even organised the live programme of Lata Mangeshkar to help the project of Shiv Udoyog Sena in 1996. All the Mangeshkar family members barring Asha Bhosle participated in this programme.

Already, MNS has got two Marathi TV and theatre actors -- Vinay Yedekar and Atul Parchure -- as its members.

Pt Mangeshkar had taken the membership of Hindu Mahasabha from Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar four decades ago. Pt Mangeshkar had even composed the music for patriotic Marathi songs penned by Savarkar himself. The songs include 'Ne Majsi Ne Parat Matrubhoomila'.

Talking to UNI, Mr Thackeray described the entry of Pt Mangeshkar in his party as the blessing of Mangeshkar clan. He said Pt Mangeshkar told him that he would render as much support by him.

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